Series of five photos with older adults.

The mission of the Barbara and Richard Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence is to advance innovations in research, education, and practice to promote optimal aging and quality of life in all older adults and their caregivers. 

Welcome to the Barbara and Richard Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence.

As the director of the Csomay Center, a cardiovascular researcher, and a former hospice and palliative care nurse, I recognize how important it is to find fulfillment in each stage of life.  

Considering that one in five people in the U.S. will be 65 and over by 2030, our communities will need support and resources to age well. The Csomay Center is uniquely positioned to bring together people, organizations, and resources to meet those needs.  

Built on a strong, 30-year foundation, the Csomay Center takes an interdisciplinary approach to support gerontology research, train the professionals and scholars who will work with older adults, connect stakeholders, and serve as a resource. Our all-encompassing aim is to promote optimal aging and quality of life in all older adults and their caregivers.

Join us as we embrace the journey of aging. 

Sincerely,  

A woman with chin length hair and a black and white shirt smiles at the camera.
 

 

Harleah G. Buck, PhD, RN, FPCN, FAHA, FGSA, FAAN

Sally Mathis Hartwig Professor in Gerontological Nursing

Director, Barbara and Richard Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence 

Five graphic people.

Become a Member of the Csomay Center

Considering that 1 in 5 people in the U.S. will be over age 65 by 2030 (Rural Health Information Hub), our communities will need support and resources specific to an aging population.

The Barbara and Richard Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence is uniquely positioned to bring together people, organizations, and resources to meet those needs. We invite you to become a member of the Csomay Center as we connect, contribute, and create a vibrant future where we can all age optimally.

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Csomay Community of Scholars


The Csomay Center Community of Scholars seeks to promote research activities by identifying funding opportunities, advancing inter-disciplinary and community engagement, and building infrastructure to advance both discovery and translation to practice.  The Community of Scholars also provides multi-level mentoring and opportunities to present works in progress for peer and expert review. 

Click below to see the schedule of upcoming sessions.

Learn More

Eight Over 80


The Csomay Center partnered with the University of Iowa Center for Advancement to host the second annual Eight over 80 celebration on May 23rd.

This initiative honors eight University of Iowa alumni, age 80 or over, who have demonstrated Hawkeye spirit of achievement and helped others in their community. The second cohort of Eight over 80 honorees are the following:

  • Elizabeth Clothier (74BA, 94MA)
  • Nancy (61BA) and Thomas (60BSME) Hanson
  • Ann Howard Jones (64BM, 66MA, 84DMA)
  • James Kimball (64MD)
  • Jean Lloyd-Jones (71MA)
  • Paul McKeen (56BA)
  • Jerre (65BA, 11LHD) and Mary Joy Stead
  • Orville “Speedy” Townsend (67BS, 72MA)

Click here to read more about the honorees and their accomplishments.